For several years, Turner Intermediate's third graders have had the honor of participating in the Pittsburgh Penguins Reading Champions Program, a program that inspires a love of reading among students across Western Pennsylvania.
Each year, the Penguins Foundation sends materials and books for students to track their reading. In the spring, Iceberg, the Penguins' mascot, visits Turner Intermediate to reveal the total minutes read and celebrate students' achievements. Based on their reading totals, students are eligible to receive special prizes. Last year, each student earned a free ticket to a Penguins home game, and the School Board provided transportation to the arena.
This year, the Reading Champions Program donated a Book Vending Machine to help encourage students to keep reading and make books more accessible. Thanks to Mrs. Simon, a third-grade teacher, the machine has been fully stocked with exciting books.
Special thanks also go to Officer Clibbens for helping with setup, Ms. Lukas for creating posters, Mr. George for finding furniture and positioning the machine, Mrs. Cole for assisting with book selection, Mrs. McClellan for supporting the project, and Miss Polosky for her creative ideas. Let the reading adventures begin!